Career Opportunity: Duty Manager – WHSmith, Abu Dhabi Airport

WHSmith, one of the world’s leading travel retailers, is inviting applications for the Duty Manager role at its store in Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi. This is an exceptional opportunity for retail professionals who are passionate about leadership, operations, and customer service in a high-traffic, fast-paced environment.

Working at WHSmith means joining a global brand with a strong presence in travel retail, backed by a legacy of excellence in service, innovation, and operational efficiency. If you are driven, adaptable, and thrive in high-performance environments, this could be the perfect role for you.

Job Specifications:	Details
Company Name	WHSmith
Location	Abu Dhabi
Fees	None
Nationality	Open to All
Gender	All genders welcome
Education	Requirements vary by position
Salary details	Will discuss this in the interview
Interview Date	11th April 2025
Time	NA

About WHSmith

With over 1,600 stores across the globe, WHSmith is a leading global retailer in the travel and high street sectors. Our operations span airports, train stations, hospitals, and high streets, with a core focus on providing convenience and quality to our customers. We pride ourselves on innovation, efficiency, and delivering world-class retail experiences.

WHSmith is committed to creating an inclusive and dynamic work environment where team members are empowered to grow and succeed. We value teamwork, initiative, and a strong work ethic and provide employees with opportunities to advance their careers within a reputable international brand.

• DUTY MANAGER - Abu Dhabi, Airport

About the Role

The Duty Manager plays a pivotal role in the daily management of WHSmith’s airport store operations. Reporting to the Store Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing team performance, managing operational tasks, ensuring customer satisfaction, and achieving sales targets. You will act as a key point of contact between the leadership team and store staff, ensuring that standards are maintained and exceeded in all areas.

This role requires a leader who is capable of multitasking, making data-driven decisions, and effectively managing a team across multiple shifts in a 24/7 airport environment. It is ideally suited for someone with strong organizational skills, a deep understanding of retail operations, and a proactive, hands-on approach to leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Target Management

• Drive sales performance by ensuring sales targets are consistently achieved through effective planning, team motivation, and on-floor execution.

• Analyze daily, weekly, and monthly sales reports to identify trends, assess performance, and implement corrective measures when necessary.

Team Leadership and Coordination

• Supervise daily activities of team members to ensure timely service, operational efficiency, and a positive work environment.

• Coordinate shift planning and resource allocation to meet the store’s needs during peak and off-peak hours.

• Provide support to store staff by resolving conflicts, addressing concerns, and facilitating smooth team collaboration.

Staff Training and Development

• Lead onboarding, training, and development of new and existing staff.

• Implement training programs to ensure staff are familiar with product offerings, customer service standards, and sales techniques.

• Encourage continuous learning and performance improvement among the team.

Operational Briefings and Communication

• Conduct regular team briefings to share sales updates, operational goals, new product information, and promotional plans.

• Ensure team members are well-informed and aligned with the store’s objectives and WHSmith brand standards.

Customer Engagement and Service Excellence

• Promote a customer-first culture by leading by example and ensuring all staff deliver consistent, high-quality customer service.

• Resolve customer issues promptly and professionally to maintain customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

• Monitor service quality through feedback and adjust strategies as needed to improve the customer experience.

Inventory and Stock Control

• Oversee inventory levels, ensuring accurate stock rotation and timely replenishment of items.

• Conduct regular stock checks and ensure that stock handling follows health, safety, and quality standards.

• Manage ordering processes to prevent overstocking or understocking, particularly for fresh food items.

Rota and Shift Management

• Create and manage staff rotas to ensure adequate coverage during all hours of operation, including holidays and weekends.

• Monitor attendance, punctuality, and adherence to shift schedules.

• Ensure appropriate staff levels are maintained throughout the day to support service delivery and operational needs.

Compliance and Store Standards

• Ensure compliance with company policies, airport regulations, and legal requirements.

• Maintain store cleanliness, merchandising standards, and display aesthetics in line with WHSmith guidelines.

• Monitor security and cash handling procedures to safeguard assets.

Flexibility and Adaptability

• Be available to work on a flexible schedule including night shifts, weekends, and holidays, as required in a 24/7 operational environment.

• Respond quickly to operational challenges or emergencies, demonstrating calm and effective problem-solving skills.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in business, retail, or a related field.

• Strong financial understanding, including knowledge of cash handling and banking procedures.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for reporting and analysis.

• Familiarity with retail IT systems and point-of-sale (POS) platforms.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on team building and staff motivation.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities efficiently.

Interview Information

• Walk-in interviews Date: 11th April 2025 

• Walk-in interviews Location: at WH Smith, Arrival Store, Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi.

• Submit your resume to nitin.dobre@nextbite.ae

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a high-performing, customer-focused team in one of the most vibrant and dynamic retail environments in the world. WHSmith offers competitive compensation, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to work in an international setting that values leadership and operational excellence.

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in retail management, and you’re ready to make an impact in a 24/7 airport retail environment, WHSmith is the place for you.